COVID-19 Q&A

At West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, there is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our patients, employees and community. During this time of uneasiness as coronavirus impacts our daily lives, we want to assure you that we remain committed to providing the high quality and compassionate care you have come to expect from your caregivers at West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic. We are here for you.

We know you have questions and we hope the following will answer your questions as well as provide peace of mind. These Q&As will be updated regularly as the situation changes and new questions surface.

If you have a question that is not answered below, please do not hesitate to call us - phone numbers are located on this website for your convenience.

Q: IS WEST TENNESSEE BONE & JOINT CLINIC OPEN AND SEEING PATIENTS?
A: Yes, we are open. Your musculoskeletal health and fitness is of utmost importance to us. It is as important to us as it is to you to continue leading a healthy and an active lifestyle.

Q: IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO KEEP MY APPOINTMENT? WHAT IS WEST TENNESSEE BONE & JOINT CLINIC DOING TO HELP?
A: In accordance with CDC guidelines, WTBJC is following best practices to provide you and our employees with a safe environment.

Increased cleaning our offices, waiting and exam rooms. We will be paying close attention to areas that are touched frequently, such as doorknobs.

Making hand sanitizer stations available.

We are following strict hand washing protocols for all employees.

Preemptive patient screening, temperature checks will be taken for anyone entering our clinics and operatories - all patients, visitors, employees, and providers. If someone has a temperature of 100.4°F or 38°C or higher (*CDC guidelines), he or she will be asked to leave and call to reschedule.

We are discontinuing use of tablets and kiosks for patient check-in ( Staff use only).

Providing patients with options to wait in cars rather than in our lobby areas

Any WTBJC providers or team members who meet any of the CDC exposure guidelines above will be required to follow the CDC guidelines for testing and quarantine.

As appropriate, WTBJC has made arrangements for non-clinic staff to work from home as our way to help limit exposure and slow the spread of the virus.

We are limiting travel and face-to-face meetings for all employees.

Q: I’M NOT FEELING WELL. SHOULD I STILL COME FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
A: If you’re not feeling well, we strongly encourage you to reschedule your appointment. However, if your orthopedic situation is urgent, please call us in advance so we may be prepared. For non-urgent appointments, rescheduling plays a significant role in helping to slow the spread of any virus whether it is Coronavirus or the flu. Most important, if you reschedule, you WILL NOT be charged a missed visit fee.

Q: IS IT OKAY TO BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO MY APPOINTMENT?
A: To keep everyone safe and protected, we are working to minimize the number of people coming into our clinics and operatories. We are asking for your help by only bringing one person with you to your appointment or surgical visit, if possible.

Q: MY PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR CONSIDERS ME TO BE HIGH-RISK PATIENT, BUT I DON’T FEEL SICK. SHOULD I RESCHEDULE?
A: First and most important, if your orthopedic situation is urgent, please call us in advance so we may prepare and provide the appropriate guidance. Your well-being is our priority. However, the CDC recommends rescheduling your appointment if you meet one of the following criteria:

You have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) or have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms

You know you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed

You have recently traveled to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy or any country in Europe including Britain, Ireland and Scotland or have been in close contact with someone who has traveled there

You are a high-risk patient* (*defined by CDC as older adults - 60 years or older - or if you have chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease)

Please reschedule your appointment and remember, you WILL NOT be charged a missed visit fee.

Q: HOW WILL I KNOW IF THERE IS A CHANGE TO MY CARE SCHEDULE – CONSULATION APPOINTMENT, SURGERY, FOLLOW-UP OR PHYSICIAL THERAPY?
A: First, you are always welcome to call us with any questions about your care or care schedule. But, rest assured we will be proactive in all communications related to your care. While we will not reach out to you via our website, blast emails, or Social Media Notifications with regards to your personal situation or care, we do like to remind you about our website, www.wtbjc.com or Facebook Page--West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic for continuing updates.

Q: SOME OF MY OTHER DOCTORS ARE OFFERING TELEMEDICINE VISITS. IS THIS SOMETHING AVAILABLE TO ME FOR MY ORTHOPEDIC CARE?
A: WTBJC offers telemedicine. Visits most appropriate for a telemedicine visit could include post-operative follow-up visits, visits to review MRI and CT results, and visits to check progress or response to a treatment. Telemedicine involves the use of electronic communications such as a computer or phone. If a telemedicine visit is appropriate, our staff is happy to help get you set-up for your telemedicine visit.

Q: WHERE CAN I GET UPDATED INFORMATION FROM WEST TENNESSEE BONE & JOINT?
A: We are offering several sources for updated information.

Q: ARE THERE THINGS I SHOULD BE DOING THAT COULD BE HELPFUL DURING THIS TIME?
A: If you have health concerns beyond orthopedic care, we strongly suggest you talk with your primary care provider. We continue to encourage our patients, employees, friends and family to practice safe and simple behaviors being recommended by the CDC (www.cdc.gov/COVID19) and WHO (https://www.who.int).

Wash your hands (two “Happy Birthday” verses)

Avoid placing your hands on your face, mouth, nose or eyes

If soap and water are not readily available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash